Pricing Error
Oct 13, 2014, 1:51 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 11
Pricing Error
Hello
I recently made a reservation with Budget using USAA for the discount. When I came upon the prices/car selection page, there was an option for a $0.52 rental of an SUV. So I clicked it thinking it would change at the end but it didn't and I confirmed a reservation for 6 days for about $9 total, essentially paying just the taxes.
What's the chances of Budget honoring this? If I were to "pay now", would that matter, too?
Thank you
I recently made a reservation with Budget using USAA for the discount. When I came upon the prices/car selection page, there was an option for a $0.52 rental of an SUV. So I clicked it thinking it would change at the end but it didn't and I confirmed a reservation for 6 days for about $9 total, essentially paying just the taxes.
What's the chances of Budget honoring this? If I were to "pay now", would that matter, too?
Thank you
Oct 14, 2014, 3:17 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SMF
Posts: 1,251
Sounds like you lucked out. A few times I've scored deals like that, once it was $1/day and another was $5/day for a Camaro. Both of those were honored and the desk agent just said something like "looks like you got a good rate!" I wouldn't call in to verify it because that would give them reason to investigate and possibly adjust your rate. Just keep your confirmation email with your rate, and make a back-up reservation at another rental car agency just in case something happens when you show up. That being said, sounds like you got lucky and enjoy your SUV.
Oct 16, 2014, 4:11 pm
#4
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,032
Interesting! I've never seen this, but they aren't required to honor it. Hopefully they will as a goodwill gesture. As noted above, definitely have a back-up reservation and don't throw too much of a fit if they don't honor it. I would do the pay now option, if possible, to have more leverage against them.
Care to share any details on the rental (approx date, location) so we can try to find the score? Or if it's on the east coast, just PM me and I'll see if I can make use of it if you don't want to post publicly.
Care to share any details on the rental (approx date, location) so we can try to find the score? Or if it's on the east coast, just PM me and I'll see if I can make use of it if you don't want to post publicly.
Oct 20, 2014, 4:47 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 11
IAH, It was out of Long Beach. I do have a backup option but I don't want to use it 
haha. I've tried to recreate the rate but it's not working and must have been a one time glitch.
So now I decided to log on to my reservation to see if I could "pay now" and it is showing the "confirmed rate" as $468. However I have the email of the "confirmed rate" being the $10 and change I mentioned earlier. I feel like it's too good to be true and they won't honor it. Anyone had any luck with this new situation before?
haha. I've tried to recreate the rate but it's not working and must have been a one time glitch.So now I decided to log on to my reservation to see if I could "pay now" and it is showing the "confirmed rate" as $468. However I have the email of the "confirmed rate" being the $10 and change I mentioned earlier. I feel like it's too good to be true and they won't honor it. Anyone had any luck with this new situation before?
Oct 24, 2014, 10:13 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TLV now - formerly LAS
Programs: King of Rental Cars, BA Gold, Virgin Gold, AA MM Gold, A3 Gold, SK Gold, Hotel SuperElite
Posts: 7,357
Pricing Error
I have rented for 99 cents per day but never quite that low. I wouldn't worry about it and just go rent it. If they jack your rate, file a credit card dispute.